A powerful earthquake struck Peru’s southern Andes on Thursday, August 20, 2026, with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measuring the quake at magnitude 6.7, while Peru’s Geophysical Institute (IGP) recorded it at magnitude 7.2.
The earthquake occurred at about 1:00 p.m. local time in the Ayacucho region, with the IGP placing its epicentre about 35 kilometres north of Coracora, at a depth of 108 kilometres. The USGS placed the quake at a depth of about 66 kilometres.
At least two people were injured while evacuating buildings in Coracora, while preliminary assessments found damage to 22 homes, six health centres and a school in affected areas. Rockfalls and minor landslides were also reported.
The tremor was felt across several southern regions, including Ica, Arequipa, Huancavelica, Apurímac and Cusco, with lighter shaking also reported in Lima.
Despite the strength of the earthquake, authorities said its relatively deep origin helped limit the severity of the damage. Peru’s Navy also confirmed that the inland earthquake did not pose a tsunami threat.
Authorities are continuing to assess affected communities, while no deaths have been reported in the latest available updates.
